Put-in-Bay will once again have a large presence at the annual Cleveland Boat Show held January 15-24 at the I-X Center.
   The country's largest indoor boat show has changed its name and its focus somewhat for its 53rd showcase. The new Mid America Boat & Fishing Show will display preowned boats alongside the newest fishing, power, sail and personal watercraft.
   According to promoters, a third of all registered US boats call the Great Lakes home and half of all Great Lakes boat owners use their boat for fishing.
   Everyone knows the best fishing is around the Bass Islands and the best summer resort port on Lake Erie is Put-in-Bay.
   Joining Put-in-Bay's regular group of island businesses this year will be the National Park Service Rangers from Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. Rangers will conduct Junior Ranger programs for the kids and plan to give participating children a piece of the Perry Memorial -- a small chunk of the Pink Milford Granite that fell from the 352-foot tall Peace Memorial's observation deck in June 2006.
   Anchoring the Put-in-Bay group is the Boardwalk Restaurant which, in addition to selling its world famous lobster bisque, has played an important role in the expansion of the island business community's participation at the long-running sport and travel show over the past 10 years.
   Also attending the show from Put-in-Bay are the Put-in-Bay Jet Express, the Crews Nest and Sunstoppers sunglasses.
   Put-in-Bay will be featured as one of two discount days at the show this year. On Thursday, January 21, is the Put-in-Bay $5 after 5 promotion. Adult admission will be $5, a discount of $7, after 5 p.m. that day. Performing that evening will be legendary island entertainer Mike "Mad Dog" Adams, Island Rock God Ray Fogg and Skipper of the Lake Erie Booze Patrol, Westside Steve Simmons. There is also a rumor that Pat Dailey may drop by.
   The first promotion will be held on Tuesday, January 19. Any visitor bringing four cans of food will be admitted free. All the food collected will be donated to Cleveland Foodbank.
   Raffles for fishing trips, sunset cruises, island runs and sailing excursions will be held daily.
   In addition to the Junior Ranger programs, kids can look forward to seeing Capt'n Willie's kids program of music, fun. nautical nonsense and Great Lakes trivia. Those attending his Saturday and Sunday show will receive a ticket for the indoor ferris wheel.
    Admission to the show is $12 for adults. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. The show is opne 3 to 9 on Fridays, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 to 9 on Saturdays; 11 to 6 on Sundays; and noon to 9 on Monday & Wednesday.